"To Be And Do" with Philip Amerson

In this compelling episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson welcomes Tim Soerens, executive director of the Parish Collective, for an enriching conversation about what it means to be the church in the neighborhood and how that impacts both individual lives and communities. Listeners are taken on a journey that weaves together stories of playful evangelism, real-life examples of neigh...

In this reflective "Because" episode of To Be and Do , Phil Amerson revisits a pivotal period serving as pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, sharing personal anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom about building a truly welcoming church community. Weaving together Biblical references, personal stories, and social observations, the episode confronts the realities and aspirations i...

In this compelling episode of To Be and Do , Phil Amerson welcomes Tim Soerens, a pastor, author, and leader in the Parish Collective, to explore how interdependence is vital for both personal and communal flourishing. Together, they dive into the evolving role of the church, the legacy of John McKnight, and how finding hope and joy is essential for leaders, especially in times of rapid change. Th...

In this reflective episode of To Be and Do , the theme of living on the edge—spiritually, emotionally, and within our conflicted world—takes center stage. , Phil Amerson, invites listeners to pause for a meditative moment, weaving together poetry and poignant observations to spark contemplation about faith, paradox, and the spaces we inhabit. The episode opens with a gentle scene: the clock strike...

In this insightful episode of "To Be and Do," host Phil Amerson welcomes Dr. Rachel Metheny, pastor at Meridian Street Church, for an honest and inspiring conversation about soul care, joy, and navigating the complexities of ministry in a modern world. The episode opens with Phil Amerson asking how Rachel Metheny maintains her own spiritual energy amidst the demands of leading a wealthy, vibrant c...

In this thought-provoking episode of "To Be snd Do," Phillip Amerson offers a heartfelt reflection on the changing landscape of faith communities. Drawing from recent readings, including John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate and Ryan Burge’s The Vanishing Church , Phillip Amerson delves into the realities facing mainline churches today. He addresses Burge’s sociological perspective, which...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast Host: Phil Amerson Guest: Rachel Metheny, Lead Pastor at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, Indianapolis Episode Overview: In this thoughtful and energizing episode, Phil Amerson sits down with longtime friend and colleague Rachel Metheny, lead pastor of Meridian Street United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Their conversation delves deeply into what it mea...

Host: Phil Amerson This "Because" episode of "To Be and Do" features Phil Amerson as he shares deeply personal reflections on life, faith, and ministry in the context of responding to challenging events—both locally and nationally. Drawing on memories of ICE raids in Minneapolis and historical tragedies at Kent State and Jackson State, Phil Amerson connects these large-scale events to a pivotal ex...

In this insightful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson welcomes back Rev. Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo for a deep dive into the historical and current impact of Methodism worldwide, particularly through the lens of education, diversity, and inclusion. Takeaway 1: The Global Legacy of Methodist Missions Philip Wingeier-Rayo shares captivating stories from his recent book, “John Wesle...

In this powerful and timely episode, host Philip Amerson brings to the forefront pressing concerns about the practices of the Department of Homeland Security and ICE agents in the United States. Through a deeply reflective and faith-centered lens, Philip Amerson discusses the ongoing tension between national security measures and the foundational values of justice, faith, and constitutional rights...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast Host: Philip Amerson Guest: Philip Wingeier-Rayo In this rich and insightful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Philip Amerson sits down with noted missions scholar Philip Wingeier-Rayo , who brings his decades of experience as a professor at Wesley Seminary and work with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The episode springs from Philip Wingeier...

In this enlightening Because for Lent 2026 episode of To Be and Do , host Philip Amerson reflects on the evolving landscape of education, morality, and the role of faith organizations. Drawing inspiration from an article by Jay Caspian Kang, Philip Amerson challenges listeners to reconsider where our values and sense of morality are truly cultivated, especially during the Lenten season. Here are t...

In this episode, Philip Amerson welcomes Bob Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University and professor at the School of Theology, for a thoughtful conversation about the evolving landscape of theological education, the unique depth of the Gospel of John, and the ongoing importance of parish ministry and pastoral leadership. Their friendly and insightful exchange brims with wisdom from decades...

Overview In this short but meaningful “Because” episode, Phil Amerson invites listeners to reflect on the start of the Lenten season, centering the conversation on what it truly means to be in community, both within a local church and in our personal spiritual journeys. With heartfelt honesty, he shares his personal practices and previews engaging voices for upcoming episodes who will help deepen...

To Be and Do Podcast Hosts: Philip Amerson Guest: Bob Hill In this heartfelt episode of the To Be and Do Podcast, Philip Amerson welcomes Bob Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel and Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology at Boston University School of Theology. The conversation is rich in warmth, humor, and insights, exploring the role of university chaplaincy, the state of mainline Christianity,...

Show Notes: To Be snd Do In this heartfelt "Because" episode of "To Be and Do," Philip Amerson explores the current reality of the American church, drawing insights from books and sociological perspectives while offering a message of hope. The conversation is anchored by reflections on Ryan Burge's newest book, The Vanishing Church , and the shifting role of faith communities in today's society. E...

In this timely and candid episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson sits down with immigration attorney Christie Popp to unpack the evolving—and often alarming—landscape of asylum and immigration policy in the U.S. today. Christie Popp, a founding attorney at Popp and Bullman in Bloomington, Indiana, offers a rare, ground-level view into the lives affected by shifting regulations, p...

In this moving episode of “To Be and Do,” Philip Amerson shares a poignant reflection on faith, community, and the power of quiet resistance. Drawing from personal memories and the events in Minneapolis, Philip Amerson recounts a stirring story from Evansville, Indiana in the late 1980s. When the Ku Klux Klan attempted to sow fear and division following attacks in his neighborhood, Philip Amerson...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast In this eye-opening episode of the To Be and Do podcast, hosts Philip Amerson and Phil Emerson sit down with attorney Christie Popp, a founding partner at Popp and Bullman Law Offices, to demystify the realities of immigration law and its intersection with current U.S. judicial practices. Christie Popp offers a candid, accessible overview of how immigration enforce...

In this heartful episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson welcomes back Mark Feldmeir , lead pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and author of Life After God: Finding Faith When You Can't Believe Anymore . Their conversation invites listeners into a rich exploration of where joy is found in our lives, what it means to serve, and the importance of purpose,...

In this thought-provoking episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson reflects on the critical vocation of faith leaders, peeling back the layers of what it means to serve as a pastor today. The discussion centers around the need for genuine encouragement and support among clergy, especially in a landscape that often prioritizes performance, competition, and constant improvement over authentic...

Host: Philip Amerson Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the courageous act of Rosa Parks inspire this reflective episode of the To Be snd Do podcast, hosted by Philip Amerson. Titled “Because Moments,” this brief yet potent segment dives into themes of civil rights, nonviolent resistance, and the ongoing struggle against society’s “triple evils”: racism, poverty, and militarism. Through histo...

In this poignant "'Because" episode of the "To Be snd Do" podcast Philip Amerson takes listeners through a raw and deeply personal reflection on violence, protest, and the necessity of compassionate dialogue in times of national turmoil. Centered around the tragic killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse in Minneapolis, Philip Amerson draws connections between recent events and historic moment...

In this powerful episode of To Be and Do , host Philip Amerson sits down with Reverend Mark Feldmeir , lead pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to discuss faith’s evolving landscape, the sacred weight of preaching in turbulent times, and the importance of forging genuine community response in the wake of tragedy. Mark Feldmeir , known for his insightful preac...

Because: In this thoughtful and timely episode of To Be and Do , Philip Amerson offers a reflection on where we are as a society in January 2026, with particular attention to the legacy and continued relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we navigate celebrations of Dr. King’s birthday and confront ongoing social issues, Philip Amerson challenges listeners to consider the depth of our ethical...